A sixth former from St Mary's College has been taking part in one of the rowing world's most prestigious events.

Patrick Stephens was part of the Royal Chester Rowing Club's quad-scull crew who qualified to compete in the Fawley Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta on the Thames in Oxfordshire.

The Chester club beat Grange School from Hartford in Cheshire in the first round of the event before losing in the second round to the eventual winners, the seeded crew from London¹s Westminster School.

The five-day Henley Royal Regatta, an annual event since 1839, is held on a stretch of the River Thames that is naturally straight.  It attracts crews from as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia.

Like Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and the Badminton Horse Trials, it is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the English social calendar.

St Mary's College spokesman, Dr Trevor Lane, commented: "We were delighted to hear that Patrick had been selected to take part in this major regatta which must have been a very exciting experience.  It also demonstrates once again that there are individuals and teams at St Mary's with the ability to compete in sporting events at the highest level." added Dr Lane.

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